Asahi Kasei’s Biomaterial Uses Tree Fiber for Furniture Makers

Fowlerville, Mich. It is a challenge in the world of plastics to develop products that not only meet the demands of modern design but are as environmentally friendly as possible. As the industry continues to search for ideas on how to combat this problem, innovations in upcycling and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are taking place.

Asahi Kasei Plastics has developed a new biomaterial for the furniture industry that provides the necessary first steps in the journey to the gold standard of product reclamation. The resin is reinforced with cellulose (tree fiber) and will reduce the carbon footprint left by other products. Using a 20 percent tree fiber reinforced polypropylene in place of a 20 percent fiberglass reinforced PP is the equivalent of saving 68 years worth of gas per American driver each year.

In addition, switching to the cellulose compound is comparable to saving 80 passenger vehicles per year and 911,505 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle. It also saves the equivalent of 411,205 pounds of coal burned per year. Figures are all per 1 million pounds of product. The product is also opens up possibilities for recycling and upcycling. After 10 complete reprocessing cycles, a 30 percent tree fiber reinforced compound maintains 83 to 85 percent of its original properties.

The cellulose used comes from sustainably harvested forests and will help create a much needed ecological narrative for injection molded seating and office components.

Asahi Kasei Plastics is a fully owned subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation and one of the global companies of Asahi Kasei Corporation. Asahi Kasei boasts over 28,000 employees in 126 business units around the world. Global sales exceed USD $20 billion and the company is diversified in Chemicals, Medical Devices, Pharma, Electronic Devices, Fibers, Housing and Construction.

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